Impact of vessel volume on thermodilution measurements in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Two invasive methods are available to estimate microvascular resistance: bolus and continuous thermodilution. Comparative studies have revealed a lack of concordance between measurements of microvascular resistance obtained through these techniques. AIMS: This study aimed to examine the influence of vessel volume on bolus thermodilution measurements. METHODS: We prospectively included patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) undergoing bolus and continuous thermodilution assessments. All patients underwent coronary CT angiography to extract vessel volume. Coronary microvascular dysfunction was defined as coronary flow reserve (CFR) < 2.0. Measurements of absolute microvascular resistance (in Woods units) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were compared before and after volumetric adjustment. RESULTS: Overall, 94 patients with ANOCA were included in this study. The mean age was 64.7 ± 10.8 years, 48% were female, and 19% had diabetes. The prevalence of CMD was 16% based on bolus thermodilution, while continuous thermodilution yielded a prevalence of 27% (Cohen's Kappa 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.65). There was no correlation in microvascular resistance between techniques (r = 0.17, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.36, p = 0.104). The adjustment of IMR by vessel volume significantly increased the agreement with absolute microvascular resistance derived from continuous thermodilution (r = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.63, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ANOCA, invasive methods based on coronary thermodilution yielded conflicting results for the assessment of CMD. Adjusting IMR with vessel volume improved the agreement with continuous thermodilution for the assessment of microvascular resistance. These findings strongly suggest the importance of considering vessel volume when interpreting bolus thermodilution assessment.

I prefer the MitraClip in these cases: the 5-year COAPT data.

The COAPT 5-year data demonstrate that compared with medical treatment transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with the MitraClip in symptomatic patients with Grade 3+/Grade 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) reduced by nearly half the annualized hospitalization risk (33 vs. 57%), by almost 30% the death rate (57 vs. 67%) and achieved significant and durable SMR reduction in 95% of patients. Control patients who crossed over to TEER at 2 years had better prognosis, but nearly half of them died before reaching crossover eligibility. Death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) occurred in 73.6% of TEER patients and 91.5% of controls within 5 years, pointing to a need for further study to address left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, the underlying cause of patient's disease. MTRA-FR targeted SMR using the same device and did not improve the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or HHF at 12 months. Possible reasons for the discrepancy include enrolment of patients with more severe MR and less-advanced LV disease (dilation/dysfunction), less-procedural complications, and higher success in reducing MR in COAPT compared with MITRA-FR. Thus, the ideal patient for MitraClip treatment would be one with severe MR, but with no too severe LV dilation/dysfunction, which is what differentiates COAPT patients from those in MITRA-FR.

Management strategies for heavily calcified coronary stenoses: an EAPCI clinical consensus statement in collaboration with the EURO4C-PCR group.

Since the publication of the 2015 EAPCI consensus on rotational atherectomy, the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed in patients with severely calcified coronary artery disease has grown substantially. This has been prompted on one side by the clinical demand for the continuous increase in life expectancy, the sustained expansion of the primary PCI networks worldwide, and the routine performance of revascularization procedures in elderly patients; on the other side, the availability of new and dedicated technologies such as orbital atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy, as well as the optimization of the rotational atherectomy system, has increased operators' confidence in attempting more challenging PCI. This current EAPCI clinical consensus statement prepared in collaboration with the EURO4C-PCR group describes the comprehensive management of patients with heavily calcified coronary stenoses, starting with how to use non-invasive and invasive imaging to assess calcium burden and inform procedural planning. Objective and practical guidance is provided on the selection of the optimal interventional tool and technique based on the specific calcium morphology and anatomic location. Finally, the specific clinical implications of treating these patients are considered, including the prevention and management of complications and the importance of adequate training and education.

Outcomes in diabetic patients treated with SGLT2-Inhibitors with acute myocardial infarction undergoing PCI: The SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT Registry.

AIMS: To investigate in-hospital and long-term prognosis in T2DM patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with SGLT2-I versus other oral anti-diabetic agents (non-SGLT2-I users). METHODS: In this multicenter international registry all consecutive diabetic AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled and, based on the admission anti-diabetic therapy, divided into SGLT-I users versus non-SGLT2-I users. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent AMI, and hospitalization for HF (MACE). Secondary outcomes included i) in-hospital cardiovascular death, recurrent AMI, occurrence of arrhythmias, and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI); ii) long-term cardiovascular mortality, recurrent AMI, heart failure (HF) hospitalization. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 646 AMI patients (with or without ST-segment elevation): 111 SGLT2-I users and 535 non-SGLT-I users. The use of SGLT2-I was associated with a significantly lower in-hospital cardiovascular death, arrhythmic burden, and occurrence of CI-AKI (all p < 0.05). During a median follow-up of 24 ± 13 months, the primary composite endpoint, as well as cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization were lower for SGLT2-I users compared to non-SGLT2-I patients (p < 0.04 for all). After adjusting for confounding factors, the use of SGLT2-I was identified as independent predictor of reduced MACE occurrence (HR=0.57; 95%CI:0.33-0.99; p = 0.039) and HF hospitalization (HR=0.46; 95%CI:0.21-0.98; p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In T2DM AMI patients, the use of SGLT2-I was associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes during index hospitalization and long-term follow-up. Our findings provide new insights into the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2-I in the setting of AMI. REGISTRATION: Data are part of the observational international registry: SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT05261867.

Infarct size, inflammatory burden, and admission hyperglycemia in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with SGLT2-inhibitors: a multicenter international registry.

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory response occurring in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been proposed as a potential pharmacological target. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I) currently receive intense clinical interest in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) for their pleiotropic beneficial effects. We tested the hypothesis that SGLT2-I have anti-inflammatory effects along with glucose-lowering properties. Therefore, we investigated the link between stress hyperglycemia, inflammatory burden, and infarct size in a cohort of type 2 diabetic patients presenting with AMI treated with SGLT2-I versus other oral anti-diabetic (OAD) agents. METHODS: In this multicenter international observational registry, consecutive diabetic AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. Based on the presence of anti-diabetic therapy at the admission, patients were divided into those receiving SGLT2-I (SGLT-I users) versus other OAD agents (non-SGLT2-I users). The following inflammatory markers were evaluated at different time points: white-blood-cell count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR), and C-reactive protein. Infarct size was assessed by echocardiography and by peak troponin levels. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 583 AMI patients (with or without ST-segment elevation): 98 SGLT2-I users and 485 non-SGLT-I users. Hyperglycemia at admission was less prevalent in the SGLT2-I group. Smaller infarct size was observed in patients treated with SGLT2-I compared to non-SGLT2-I group. On admission and at 24 h, inflammatory indices were significantly higher in non-SGLT2-I users compared to SGLT2-I patients, with a significant increase in neutrophil levels at 24 h. At multivariable analysis, the use of SGLT2-I was a significant predictor of reduced inflammatory response (OR 0.457, 95% CI 0.275-0.758, p = 0.002), independently of age, admission creatinine values, and admission glycemia. Conversely, peak troponin values and NSTEMI occurrence were independent predictors of a higher inflammatory status. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetic AMI patients receiving SGLT2-I exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory response and smaller infarct size compared to those receiving other OAD agents, independently of glucose-metabolic control. Our findings are hypothesis generating and provide new insights on the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2-I in the setting of coronary artery disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Data are part of the ongoing observational registry: SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT05261867.

Glycated ACE2 reduces anti-remodeling effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibition in human diabetic hearts.

BACKGROUND: High glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels correlated with an elevated risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes despite renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition in type-2 diabetic (T2DM) patients with reduced ejection fraction. Using the routine biopsies of non-T2DM heart transplanted (HTX) in T2DM recipients, we evaluated whether the diabetic milieu modulates glycosylated ACE2 (GlycACE2) levels in cardiomyocytes, known to be affected by non-enzymatic glycosylation, and the relationship with glycemic control. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the possible effects of GlycACE2 on the anti-remodeling pathways of the RAS inhibitors by evaluating the levels of Angiotensin (Ang) 1-9, Ang 1-7, and Mas receptor (MasR), Nuclear-factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), and fibrosis in human hearts. METHODS: We evaluated 197 first HTX recipients (107 non-T2DM, 90 T2DM). All patients were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) at hospital discharge. Patients underwent clinical evaluation (metabolic status, echocardiography, coronary CT-angiography, and endomyocardial biopsies). Biopsies were used to evaluate ACE2, GlycACE2, Ang 1-9, Ang 1-7, MasR, NAFT, and fibrosis. RESULTS: GlycACE2 was higher in T2DM compared tonon-T2DM cardiomyocytes. Moreover, reduced expressions of Ang 1-9, Ang 1-7, and MasR were observed, suggesting impaired effects of RAS-inhibition in diabetic hearts. Accordingly, biopsies from T2DM recipients showed higher fibrosis than those from non-T2DM recipients. Notably, the expression of GlycACE2 in heart biopsies was strongly dependent on glycemic control, as reflected by the correlation between mean plasma HbA1c, evaluated quarterly during the 12-month follow-up, and GlycACE2 expression. CONCLUSION: Poor glycemic control, favoring GlycACE2, may attenuate the cardioprotective effects of RAS-inhibition. However, the achievement of tight glycemic control normalizes the anti-remodeling effects of RAS-inhibition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT03546062.

Automation of intracoronary continuous thermodilution for absolute coronary flow and microvascular resistance measurements.

AIM: Microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) as derived from continuous intracoronary thermodilution specifically quantifies microvasculature function. As originally described, the technique necessitates reinstrumentation of the artery and manual reprogramming of the infusion pump when performing resting and hyperemic measurements. To simplify and to render this procedure operator-independent, we developed a fully automated method. The aim of the present study is to validate the automated procedure against the originally described one. METHODS AND RESULTS: For the automated procedure, an infusion pump was preprogrammed to allow paired resting-hyperemic thermodilution assessment without interruption. To validate the accuracy of this new approach, 20 automated measurements were compared to those obtained in the same vessels with conventional paired resting-hyperemic thermodilution measurements (i.e., with a sensor pullback at each infusion rate and manual reprogramming of the infusion pump).  A close correlation between the conventional and the automated measuring technique was found for resting flow (Qrest : r = 0.89, mean bias = 2.52; SD = 15.47), hyperemic flow (Qhyper : r = 0.88, mean bias = -2.65; SD = 27.96), resting microvascular resistance (Rµ-rest : r = 0.90, mean bias = 52.14; SD = 228.29), hyperemic microvascular resistance Rµ-hyper : r = 0.92, mean bias = 12.95; SD = 57.80), and MRR (MRR: r = 0.89, mean bias = 0.04, SD = 0.59).  Procedural time was significantly shorter with the automated method (5'25″ ± 1'23″ vs. 4'36″ ± 0'33″, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Continuous intracoronary thermodilution-derived measurements of absolute flow, absolute resistance, and MRR can be fully automated. This further shortens and simplifies the procedure when performing paired resting-hyperemic measurements.

Development, validation, and reproducibility of the pullback pressure gradient (PPG) derived from manual fractional flow reserve pullbacks.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) pullbacks assess the location and magnitude of pressure drops along the coronary artery. The pullback pressure gradient (PPG) quantifies the FFR pullback curve and provides a numeric expression of focal versus diffuse coronary artery disease. This study aims (1) to validate the PPG using manual FFR pullbacks compared with motorized FFR pullbacks as a reference; and (2) to determine the intra- and interoperator reproducibility of the PPG derived from manual FFR pullbacks. Patients with stable coronary artery disease and an FFR ≤ 0.80 were included. All patients underwent FFR pullback evaluation either with a motorized device or manually, depending on the study cohort. The agreement of the PPG between repeated pullbacks was assessed using the Bland-Altman method. Overall, 116 FFR pullback maneuvers (96 manual and 20 motorized) were analyzed. There was excellent agreement between the PPG derived from manual and motorized pullbacks (mean difference -0.01 ± 0.07, 95% limits of agreement [LOA] -0.14 to 0.12). The intra- and interoperator reproducibility of PPG derived from manual pullbacks were excellent (mean difference <0.01, 95% LOA -0.11 to 0.12, and mean difference <0.01, 95% LOA -0.12 to 0.11, respectively). The duration of the pullback maneuver did not impact the reproducibility of the PPG (r = 0.12, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.49, p = 0.567). Manual pullbacks allow for an accurate PPG calculation. The inter- and intraoperator reproducibility of PPG derived from manual pullbacks were excellent.

First report of totally robotically assisted hybrid coronary artery revascularization combining RE-MIDCAB and R-PCI: Case report.

A 62-year-old man presents to the Cardiology Department with a history of angina on exertion. Invasive coronary angiography revealed a severe three vessels coronary artery disease. The "Hybrid Heart Team" successfully performed a fully robotically assisted hybrid revascularization combining robotically enhanced-minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass on the left anterior descending (LAD) and robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention on non-LAD lesions.

Hyperemic hemodynamic characteristics of serial coronary lesions assessed by pullback pressure gradients.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize hemodynamics of serial coronary stenoses using fractional flow reserve (FFR) pullbacks and the pullback pressure gradients (PPG) index. BACKGROUND: The cross-talk between stenoses within the same coronary artery makes the prediction of the functional contribution of each lesion challenging. METHODS AND RESULTS: One-hundred seventeen patients undergoing coronary angiography for stable angina were prospectively recruited. Serial lesions were defined as two or more narrowings with visual diameter stenosis >50% on conventional angiography. Motorized FFR pullback tracings were obtained at 1 mm/s. Pullbacks were visually adjudicated as presenting two, one, and no focal pressure drops. The pattern of disease (i.e., focal or diffuse) was quantified using the PPG index. Twenty-five vessels presented serial lesions (mean PPG 0.48 ± 0.17). Two, one or no focal pressure drops were observed in 40% (n = 10; PPG 0.59 ± 0.17), 52% (n = 13; PPG 0.44 ± 0.12) and 8% of cases (n = 2; PPG 0.27 ± 0.01; p-value = 0.01). Distal FFR was similar between vessels with two, one and no focal pressure drops in the pullback curve (p-value = 0.27). The PPG index independently predicted the presence of two focal pressure drops in the pullback curve (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: FFR pullbacks in serial coronary lesions exhibit three distinct functional patterns. High PPG was associated with pullback curves presenting two pressure drops. The PPG provides a quantitative assessment of the pattern of coronary artery disease in cases with serial lesions and might be useful to assess the appropriateness of percutaneous revascularization.

Simplified Assessment of the Index of Microvascular Resistance.

BACKGROUND: To validate a simplified invasive method for the calculation of the index of microvascular resistance (IMR). METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center study of patients with chronic coronary syndromes presenting with nonobstructive coronary artery disease. IMR was obtained using both intravenous (IV) adenosine and intracoronary (IC) papaverine. Each IMR measurement was obtained in duplicate. The primary objective was the agreement between IMR acquired using adenosine and papaverine. Secondary objectives include reproducibility of IMR and time required for the IMR measurement. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen IMR measurements were performed in 29 patients. The mean age was 68.8 ± 7.24 years, and 27.6% was diabetics. IMR values were similar between papaverine and adenosine (17.7 ± 7.26 and 20.1 ± 8.6, p=0.25; Passing-Bablok coefficient A 0.58, 95% CI -2.42 to 3.53; coefficient B 0.90, 95% CI -0.74 to 1.07). The reproducibility of IMR was excellent with both adenosine and papaverine (ICC 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.88 and ICC 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97). The time needed for microvascular assessment was significantly shortened by the use of IC papaverine (3.23 (2.84, 3.78) mins vs. 5.48 (4.94, 7.09) mins, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: IMR can be reliably measured using IC papaverine with similar results compared to intravenous infusion of adenosine with increased reproducibility and reduced procedural time. This approach simplifies the invasive assessment of the coronary microcirculation in the catheterization laboratory.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: An Emerging Option in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation at High Risk of Bleeding.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia with an estimated prevalence of 1% in the general population. It is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, silent cerebral ischemia, and cognitive impairment. Due to the blood flow stasis and morphology, thrombus formation occurs mainly in the left atrial appendage (LAA), particularly in the setting of nonvalvular AF (NVAF). Previous studies have shown that >90% of emboli related to NVAF originate from the LAA, thus prevention of systemic cardioembolism is indicated. According to the current guidelines, anticoagulant therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), represents the standard of care in AF patients, in order to prevent ischemic stroke and peripheral embolization. Although these drugs are widely used and DOACs have shown, compared to VKAs, non-inferiority for stroke prevention with significantly fewer bleeding complications, some issues remain a matter of debate, including contraindications, side effects, and adherence. An increasing number of patients, indeed, because of high bleeding risk or after experiencing life-threatening bleedings, must take anticoagulants with extreme caution if not contraindicated. While surgical closure or exclusion of LAA has been historically used in patients with AF with contradictory results, in the recent years, a novel procedure has emerged to prevent the cardioembolic stroke in these patients: The percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Different devices have been developed in recent years, though not all of them are approved in Europe and some are still under clinical investigation. Currently available devices have shown a significant decrease in bleeding risk while maintaining efficacy in preventing thromboembolism. The procedure can be performed percutaneously through the femoral vein access, under general anesthesia. A transseptal puncture is required to access left atrium and is guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Evidence from the current literature indicates that percutaneous LAAO represents a safe alternative for those patients with contraindications for long-term oral anticoagulation. This review summarizes scientific evidences regarding LAAO for stroke prevention including clinical indications and an adequate patient selection.

Prevalence of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: A Systematic Review.

Cardiac involvement is recorded in about 80% of patients affected by myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). The prevalence of cardiac conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias has been well described. Data regarding the prevalence of left ventricle systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and heart failure (HF) are still conflicting. The primary objective of this review was to assess the prevalence of LVSD and HF in DM1. The secondary aim was to examine the association of clinical features with LVSD and to detect predisposing and influencing prognosis factors. A systematic search was developed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases to identify original reports between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2017, assessing the prevalence of LVSD and HF in populations with DM1. Retrospective and prospective cohort studies and case series describing the prevalence of LVSD, as evaluated by echocardiography, and HF in patients with DM1 were included. Case reports, simple reviews, commentaries and editorials were excluded. Seven studies were identified as eligible, of which 1 was a retrospective population-based cohort study, and 6 were retrospective single-center-based cohort studies. Echocardiographic data concerning LV function were available for 647 of the 876 patients with DM1 who were included in the analysis. The prevalence of LVSD in patients with DM1, defined as LVEF < 55%, was 13.8%, 4.5-fold higher than in general population. Patients with DM1 and LVSD were older, were more likely to be male, had longer baseline atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction-time durations, had higher incidences of atrial arrhythmias, and were more likely to have undergone device implantation. Also, symptomatic HF is more prevalent in patients with DM1 despite their limited levels of physical activity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prevalence of LVSD and HF in patients with DM1 and to investigate electrocardiographic abnormalities and other clinical features associated with this condition.

Vessel Fractional Flow Reserve and Graft Vasculopathy in Heart Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains the Achilles' heel of long-term survival after heart transplantation (HTx). The severity and extent of CAV is graded with conventional coronary angiography (COR) which has several limitations. Recently, vessel fractional flow reserve (vFFR) derived from COR has emerged as a diagnostic computational tool to quantify the functional severity of coronary artery disease. PURPOSE: The present study assessed the usefulness of vFFR to detect CAV in HTx recipients. METHODS: In HTx patients referred for annual check-up, undergoing surveillance COR, the extent of CAV was graded according to the criteria proposed by the international society of heart and lung transplantation (ISHLT). In addition, three-dimensional coronary geometries were constructed from COR to calculate pressure losses using vFFR. RESULTS: In 65 HTx patients with a mean age of 53.7 ± 10.1 years, 8.5 years (IQR 1.90, 15.2) years after HTx, a total number of 173 vessels (59 LAD, 61 LCX, and 53 RCA) were analyzed. The mean vFFR was 0.84 ± 0.15 and median was 0.88 (IQR 0.79, 0.94). A vFFR ≤ 0.80 was present in 24 patients (48 vessels). HTx patients with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) had numerically lower vFFR as compared to those with non-ICMP (0.70 ± 0.22 vs. 0.79 ± 0.13, p = 0.06). The use of vFFR reclassified 31.9% of patients compared to the anatomical ISHLT criteria. Despite a CAV score of 0, a pathological vFFR ≤ 0.80 was detected in 8 patients (34.8%). CONCLUSION: The impairment in epicardial conductance assessed by vFFR in a subgroup of patients without CAV according to standard ISHLT criteria suggests the presence of a diffuse vasculopathy undetectable by conventional angiography. Therefore, we speculate that vFFR may be useful in risk stratification after HTx.

Radial pseudoaneurysm in elderly: a rare event with undefinied therapeutical approach. A case report and literature review.

Radial artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) after cardiac catheterization in elderly patients is a rare complication. Clinical manifestations are pain, swelling and haematoma of the harm. The diagnosis is made through doppler ultrasonography, but the best therapeutical option is still matter of debate. Traditionally, surgical treatment has been considered the gold standard but new and less invasive strategies have been recently proposed: ultrasound-guided compression and local injection of thrombin. In this report we describe the unique case of an 84-year-old female patient who developed radial artery pseudoaneurysm after a failed radial artery access for cardiac catheterization. Finally, the pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated by surgical approach as several attempts of local compression failed. We aimed also at reviewing the treatment options of RAP in elderly patients (>75 years old) and the safety/effectiveness reported in literature.

Cognitive Function and Atrial Fibrillation: From the Strength of Relationship to the Dark Side of Prevention. Is There a Contribution from Sinus Rhythm Restoration and Maintenance?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia with an increasing prevalence over time mainly because of population aging. It is well established that the presence of AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. In the last two decades several reports have shown an association between AF and cognitive function, ranging from impairment to dementia. Ischemic stroke linked to AF is a well-known risk factor and predictor of cognitive decline. In this clinical scenario, the risk of stroke might be reduced by oral anticoagulation. However, recent data suggest that AF may be a predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia also in the absence of stroke. Cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced brain volume, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensity, neuroinflammation, and genetic factors have been considered as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AF-related cognitive dysfunction. However, a cause-effect relationship remains still controversial. Consequently, no therapeutic strategies are available to prevent AF-related cognitive decline in stroke-free patients. This review will analyze the potential mechanisms leading to cognitive dysfunction in AF patients and examine the available data on the impact of a sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance strategy in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Artificial intelligence-powered insights into high-risk, non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis: a case report.

Background: Advanced coronary plaque analysis by cardiac computed tomography (CT) has recently emerged as a promising technique for better prognostic stratification. However, this evaluation application in clinical practice is still uncertain. Case summary: In the present case, we described the clinical picture of a 44-year-old tennis player with ectopic ventricular beats in which cardiac CT enabled the identification of a non-obstructive but high-risk plaque on proximal left anterior descendent artery. The application of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced software enabled to better stratify the patients' risk. The present case describes how early identification of non-obstructive but high-risk coronary plaque evaluated by cardiac CT using AI-enhanced software enabled accurate and personalized risk assessment. Discussion: The main clinical message of this case report is that advanced plaque analysis by cardiac CT, especially when performed with AI-based software, may provide important prognostic information leading to a personalized preventive approach. Moreover, AI-based software may contribute to promote a routine evaluation of these important data already included in traditional cardiac CT.

The Influence Of Epicardial Resistance On Microvascular Resistance Reserve.

BACKGROUND: The optimal index of microvascular function should be specific for the microvascular compartment. Yet, coronary flow reserve (CFR), despite being widely used to diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), is influenced by both epicardial and microvascular resistance. Conversely, microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) adjusts for fractional flow reserve (FFR), and thus is theoretically independent of epicardial resistance. OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that MRR, unlike CFR, is not influenced by increasing epicardial resistance, and thus is a more specific index of microvascular function. METHODS: In a cohort of 16 patients that had undergone proximal left anterior descending artery stenting, we created four grades of artificial stenosis (no stenosis, mild, moderate, and severe) using a coronary angioplasty balloon inflated to different degrees within the stent. For each stenosis grade, we calculated CFR and MRR using continuous thermodilution (64 measurements of each) in order to assess their response to changing epicardial resistance. RESULTS: Graded balloon inflation resulted in a significant sequential decrease in mean FFR (no stenosis: 0.82 ±0.05; mild: 0.72 ±0.04; moderate: 0.61 ±0.05; severe: 0.48 ±0.09, p<0.001). This translated into a linear decrease in mean hyperaemic coronary flow (no stenosis: 170.5 ±66.8 ml/min; mild: 149.8 ±58.8 ml/min; moderate: 124.4 ±53.0 ml/min; severe: 94.0 ±45.2 ml/min, p<0.001). CFR exhibited a marked linear decrease with increasing stenosis (no stenosis: 2.5 ±0.9; mild: 2.2 ±0.8; moderate: 1.8 ±0.7; severe: 1.4 ±0.6), corresponding to a decrease of 0.3 for a decrease in FFR of 0.1 (p<0.001). In contrast, MRR exhibited a negligible decrease across all stenosis grades (no stenosis: 3.0 ±1.0; mild: 3.0 ±1.0; moderate: 2.9 ±1.0; severe: 2.8 ±1.0), corresponding to a decrease of just 0.05 for a decrease in FFR of 0.1 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MRR, unlike CFR, is minimally influenced by epicardial resistance, and thus should be considered the more specific index of microvascular function. This suggests that MRR can also reliably evaluate microvascular function in patients with significant epicardial disease.

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure: Characterization of Patterns in HFrEF Versus HFpEF.

BACKGROUND: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is involved in heart failure (HF) onset and progression, independently of HF phenotype and obstructive coronary artery disease. Invasive assessment of CMD might provide insights into phenotyping and prognosis of patients with HF. We aimed to assess absolute coronary flow, absolute microvascular resistance, myocardial perfusion, coronary flow reserve, and microvascular resistance reserve in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Single-center, prospective study of 56 consecutive patients with de novo HF with nonobstructive coronary artery disease divided into HF with preserved ejection fraction (n=21) and HFrEF (n=35). CMD was invasively assessed by continuous intracoronary thermodilution and defined as coronary flow reserve <2.5. Left ventricular and left anterior descending artery-related myocardial mass was quantified by echocardiography and coronary computed tomography angiography. Myocardial perfusion (mL/min per g) was calculated as the ratio between absolute coronary flow and left anterior descending artery-related mass. RESULTS: Patients with HFrEF showed a higher left ventricular and left anterior descending artery-related myocardial mass compared with HF with preserved ejection fraction (P<0.010). Overall, 52% of the study population had CMD, with a similar prevalence between the 2 groups. In HFrEF, CMD was characterized by lower absolute microvascular resistance and higher absolute coronary flow at rest (functional CMD; P=0.002). CMD was an independent predictor of a lower rate of left ventricular reverse remodeling at follow-up. In patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, CMD was mainly due to higher absolute microvascular resistance and lower absolute coronary flow during hyperemia (structural CMD; P≤0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous intracoronary thermodilution allows the definition and characterization of patterns with distinct CMD in patients with HF and could identify patients with HFrEF with a higher rate of left ventricular reverse remodeling at follow-up.